Over the years, Lowrance units have improved by a huge margin, and you’ll find many anglers moving towards this brand for a better price point.
Lowrance tried to bring a competitive price to the anglers while still offering premium quality to match Garmin units.
So, you won’t be missing out on any significant features with the Lowrance Sonar units. Recently, some anglers have asked about the better pick between Lowrance Hook2 4X and the Garmin Striker 4.
The majority of features are one and the same between these two devices.
However, when it comes to the management of unique details, going with Garmin will sometimes be better for experts. So, keep that in mind when you can’t find the right fit for your system.
Both of these options are incredibly popular and offer a ton of accessibility features to anglers. Here is a comparison of the Lowrance Hook2 4X VS the Garmin Striker 4 systems.
Lowrance Hook2 4X vs Garmin Striker 4 Comparison
| Specifics | Lowrance Hook2 | Garmin Striker 4 |
| Size | 4.3” | 3.5” or 5” or 7” |
| Sonar | 2D | Dual Beam |
| Frequency | 200 kHz | 50/77/200 kHz |
| Resolution | 480 x 272 | 480 x 320 |
| Power | 200 W | 200 W |
While there are pros and cons for both units and will suit different requirements depending upon your next trip. If you’re new to the market and don’t know which unit to choose, be sure to seek some help from the dealer.
He will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
With that said, the pros associated with the Lowrance unit include its budget-friendly system, better features, a larger display, and higher brightness.
So, if you’re only looking for a unit that is easier to use and offers a ton of smart features, going with Lowrance is the better idea.
Similarly, you will get the dual beam status, improved resolution, more customization options, and a better functionality response from the unit.
So, keep that in mind and test out the Garmin unit if you’re not that fascinated by the larger screen and smart features brought forward by Lowrance.
It all comes down to the fishing gear that you’re aiming for. If you’re only looking for a basic response from the sonar that is easier to use, then Lowrance is better. That is why most beginners like to stick with this brand when they first get into fishing.
On the other hand, when you look at the experts, almost all of them like the Garmin units better. While you will have to pay the top buck for the Garmin units, they are well worth the purchase.
So, you need to consider your current experience and choose between these two options.
Lowrance Hook2 4x
The pricing on the Lowrance Hook2 4x is a bit more expensive when you bring it next to the Garmin Striker 4 systems, but you will benefit from a horizontal screen that will serve you well even in the full sun.
The biggest advantage of Lowrance Hook2 4x over the Striker is that you won’t have to put money into a sun guard. The vibrant and bright display brought forward by Lowrance will serve you perfectly, even on sunny days.
So, if you like to go fishing in the daylight, then Lowrance Hook2 4x is not a bad option.
When it comes to core functions, anglers are not that happy with the performance of this unit.
The GPS performance, scroll speed, and the missing Chirp were deal killers for anger, and you won’t be able to match the performance of Garmin Striker 4 with this unit.
Moreover, you won’t be able to differentiate any fish hugging the bottom.
As far as the basic design and portability are concerned, the Lowrance Hook2 4x will be the better choice.
It is easier to handle and install, and you can use it throughout the year for a consistent level of performance. However, when it comes to demanding conditions and rough waves, Garmin Striker is the better choice.
Overall, Lowrance Hook2 4x is not a bad unit, but when you bring it next to the Garmin Striker 4, it doesn’t present decent value. You will not get more features with Garmin, but the performance of the transducer is better.
So, if you’re looking for more versatility, then Garmin should be your first choice.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a better design and a unit that looks sleek on your boat, then Lowrance will present a better value.
Garmin Striker 4
It is one of the most popular units available in the market that offers phenomenal value to anglers. You won’t have to spend more than a few hundred dollars for this unit, and it is much cheaper than the Lowrance Hook2 4x system.
Moreover, the cone angle and the focused Chirp allow anglers to get a detailed view of the display. So, make sure to stick with Garmin Striker 4 to save money and enjoy better features.
There is no point in going with Lowrance Hook2 4x when you’re purely looking for functionality. The Lowrance unit will just hold you back in practical applications.
So, instead of looking at the basic design of the Lowrance unit, you should test it out yourself. You will notice the clear difference between the Garmin Striker 4 and the Lowrance Hook2 4x performance after a few minutes of use.
The only area where Lowrance is better than Gamin Striker is the size and the performance of the display. You won’t have to worry about brightness with the Lowrance Hook2 4x, while there have been a few complaints about the Garmin Striker 4.
So, if you don’t want to purchase a sun guard for the Garmin Striker 4, then Lowrance might be the better choice for you.
Overall, Garmin Striker 4 is the better choice between these two models, and you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.
Garmin has got you covered with an extensive range of Garmin Striker variants, and you can find the perfect fit for your fishing system.
Going with the Vivid models will help you with better and more vibrant colors. So, make sure to go through the Garmin Striker 4 portfolio to find a suitable sonar system.
So, Which One Will Suit You Better?
The final decision about which sonar system will suit you better depends entirely on your fishing requirements. While some owners find Garmin to be the better unit, others like to stick with the Lowrance system for their fishing trips.
However, one main question that you can ask yourself is whether you’re looking for convenience or performance. If you’re looking for convenience, going with Lowrance will bring better utility to your smart system.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for better performance and need more details, then going with Garmin is the better idea.
The dual beam system offered here is just better, and the traditional 2D setup brought forward by Lowrance won’t be able to keep up.
Similarly, the brighter screen and the larger display maintained by the Lowrance unit are a huge plus for this system. So, if you’re new to the sport and just want a unit that is easier to use, going with Lowrance will serve you perfectly.
However, if you’ve been fishing for a while, and need an exceptional unit, then going with Garmin is the only real solution. It all comes down to how you’re planning on maneuvering through this decision.
Wrapping Up
These were a few details on the Garmin and the Lowrance budget systems.
While the Lowrance system is more oriented towards being budget-friendly, the Garmin system prioritizes quality and better performance. You won’t find the same quality of performance with the Garmin system.
However, if you’re still confused about which unit to choose between these two options, then ask the dealer.
You can’t really go wrong with either one of these devices, as both brands are pretty popular in the market. So, keep that in mind and go with the unit that better fits your budget.
Everything from the dealer support to the warranty status is phenomenal with both of these brands. Your purchase will be completely secure, and you won’t have to deal with any issues down the road.
So, be sure to reach out to the dealer if you can’t get through with the purchase.
Lastly, you can also rely on online fishing forums to seek help from other experts. They will bring practical knowledge to help you navigate this decision.